Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition

The revival of Street Fighter with Street Fighter IV has passed over Nintendo systems so far, but fortunately, the game is making its Nintendo system debut in a big way with Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition. A launch title for Nintendo's new handheld, it is an excellent port of 2010's Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 game. Taking advantage of more 3DS features than any other launch title, Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition is a packed game filled with fighting game goodness.

Much like other versions of the game, it comes with a roster of 35 characters. Each character features their own move set, complete with visually pleasing Super and Ultra Combos, and for the most part, they are all well designed and unique. If you've been away from the franchise for a while, don't fret, as every member of the Street Fighter II cast is present and accounted. Some of the new challengers, such as Hakan the oil wrestler, are humorous, and the graphical style brings out the absurdity of every character effortlessly.

In addition to the standard Arcade mode, the game also includes different challenges that help you learn character's moves, and two bonus stages, which involve smashing cars and breaking barrels, that harken back to older games. The 3DS version includes local and online play, and you can even set it up so local or online challengers can interrupt your single-player efforts in Arcade mode to play you. It's a very nice touch, even more so because the online runs flawlessly. Unfortunately, if you're not that good at the game, you'll likely get torn apart by the very good players that populate the game's online mode.

While the placement of the 3DS D-pad might dismay some fans, the Circle Pad isn't too difficult to use. Simply put, it is much better than most controller analog sticks. The Lite mode is reminiscent of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controls in Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, as it makes the game easier to play for newcomers and people who aren't good at the game. In Lite mode, you can map four moves of your choice to the touch screen, and perform them whenever you tap them. It's all customizable, and it even lets you know when you can use your Super or Ultra Combo. Naturally, there is a control scheme that removes this option.

Dynamic view mode highlights the 3D effects, as it changes the camera angle to a three-quarters perspective. It takes a match or two to adjust, but it works fine and truly does make the characters and fights stand out. The effects are nothing but window dressing, though, which, in all honesty, isn't a bad thing. It does what the majority of 3DS games should aim to do: bring you a little bit more into the game world.

The StreetPass mode, which I couldn't truly test out before the game's launch, is nothing more than neat. Through gameplay, you accumulate Figure Points that you can use to get new figurines. These figures have different levels and powers. Your goal is to make the best team you can, and then go out and walk past other Street Fighter players and see if your team is better than theirs.

Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition is a complete package that features all the content of past Street Fighter IV titles and more. If you've played Super Street Fighter IV to death, you might just want to stick to your arcade stick on your 360. However, if you're a lapsed fan or have never experienced Street Fighter before, the 3DS version is an excellent choice for you.